Teachers quit profession over workload and bureaucracy

By Mark Waghorn, SWNS
Published 2nd Apr 2019, 12:57 BST
Updated 2nd Apr 2019, 14:01 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now
Half of teachers consider quitting the profession within a decade because of the demand placed on them, according to new research.

They feel their ambition of making a difference and improving the lives of young people are being blunted by bureaucracy.

The nature rather than quantity of the workload - with its emphasis on accountability and performance - was the crucial factor in decisions to leave.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Seeking a better work/life balance was also cited as the other major reason by the 1,200 teachers polled.

The findings come as teachers are leaving the classroom at the highest rate since records began. Picture: PixabayThe findings come as teachers are leaving the classroom at the highest rate since records began. Picture: Pixabay
The findings come as teachers are leaving the classroom at the highest rate since records began. Picture: Pixabay

The study showed 40 to 50 per cent had either left or were considering doing so ten years or less after they started teacher training.

This was despite three quarters (75 per cent) of respondents viewing the job as a long-term career.